Potential of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) for phytoremediation of dredging sludge contaminated by trace metals

in Biodegradation (2013)

The potential of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinusL.) and corn (Zea mays L.) for accumulation of cadmium and zinc was investigated. Plants have been grown in lysimetres containing dredging sludge, a substratum ... [more ▼]

The potential of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinusL.) and corn (Zea mays L.) for accumulation of cadmium and zinc was investigated. Plants have been grown in lysimetres containing dredging sludge, a substratum naturally rich in trace metals. Biomass production was determined. Sludge and water percolating from lysimeters were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry.No visible symptoms of toxicity were observed during the three- month culture. Kenaf and corn tolerate trace metals content in sludge. Results showed that Zn and Cd were found in corn and kenaf shoots at different levels,2.49 mg/kg of Cd and 82.5 mg/kg of Zn in kenaf shoots and2.1mg/kgofCdand10.19mg/kgincornshoots. Quantities of extracted trace metals showed that decontamination of Zn and Cd polluted substrates is possible by corn and kenaf crops. Tolerance and bioaccumulation factors indicated that both species could be used in phytoremediation. [less ▲]

IMPACT OF HEAVY METALS ON PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PROTEOMIC RESPONSES OF WILLOWS (SALIX SP.)

Poster (2012)

In 2010, around 3,800 sites in Wallonia (Belgium) were identified as potentially contaminated by heavy metals, a result of their past industrial and agricultural activities [1]. The technique of using ... [more ▼]

In 2010, around 3,800 sites in Wallonia (Belgium) were identified as potentially contaminated by heavy metals, a result of their past industrial and agricultural activities [1]. The technique of using plants to remediate contaminated sites (phytoremediation) has been studied for over twenty years. In particular, the use of trees (alder, willow, poplar) has been considered because of their large biomass production [2] [3] [4] [5]. The aim of this study was to identify the potential of local willow ecotypes to grow in the presence of heavy metals using lysimeters filled with dredging sludge. Several willow ecotypes were compared realizing morphological and physiological measurements (chlorophyll fluorescence, electrolyte leakage, carbohydrate content). The plant responses to metal stress were also investigated using a proteomic approach. Heavy metals contents in leaves and stems were analysed. With this study, the potential of these trees to valorise contaminated, abandoned sites in Belgium was evaluated. [1] Cellule Etat de l'environnement wallon (2010). Tableau de bord de l'environnement wallon. SPW-DGARNE-DEMNA-DEE. [2] Dickinson N. M. (2000). Strategies for sustainable woodland on contaminated soils. Chemosphere 41(1-2): 259-263. [3] Meers E., Lamsal S., Vervaeke P., Hopgood M., Lust N. and Tack F. M. G. (2005). Availability of heavy metals for uptake by Salix viminalis on a moderately contaminated dredged sediment disposal site. Environ Pollut 137(2): 354-364. [4] Meers E., Vandecasteele B., Ruttens A., Vangronsveld J. and Tack F. M. G. (2007). Potential of five willow species (Salix spp.) for phytoextraction of heavy metals. Environ Exp Bot 60(1): 57-68. [5] Rosselli W., Keller C. and Boschi K. (2003). Phytoextraction capacity of trees growing on a metal contaminated soil. Plant Soil 256(2): 265-272. [less ▲]

E ffects of Cd on ectomycorrhizal fungal growth. Efficacy of in vitro screening experiment

in Agrochimica (2011), LV(2),

Feasibility of using oilseed rape for the phytoremediation of moderately contaminated agricultural soils: Comparison of the Cd uptake capacities of some cultivars and enhancement of their extraction capacities using in vitro technologies

Poster (2010, June)

Relationship between tree development, mean annual increment and internal wood decay in veteran Tilia trees

in Annales de la Société Belge de Dendrologie = Jaarboek van de Belgische Dendrologische Vereniging (2010)

This study aimed at classifying nineteen veteran lime trees (Tilia cordata Mill., T. platyphyllos scop. and T. x europaea L.) in their development. Tilia spp. was chosen because it is long lived and ... [more ▼]

This study aimed at classifying nineteen veteran lime trees (Tilia cordata Mill., T. platyphyllos scop. and T. x europaea L.) in their development. Tilia spp. was chosen because it is long lived and widely present in Belgium. A classification in five steps (A to E) is proposed, based on crown and trunk status, quantity of decaying wood and mean annual girth increment (MAI) as an additionnal criterion. We tested the relationship between veteran tree development and MAI. Threshold values were determined to help distinguish steps A to E. The relationship between trunk growth dynamics, and crown and root development is also discussed. [less ▲]

Rapport final du Projet ColQual n°716613: Le colza, candidat potentiel à la dépollution rentable des sols

Report (2010)

Effets de l'inoculation mycorhizienne du substrat sur la croissance et la résistance au stress hydrique de cinq espèces fixatrices de dunes : Acacia raddiana Savi ; Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. Ex Del. var. adansonii ; Acacia senegal (L.) Willd ; Prosopis chilensis Stunz. et Bauhinia rufescens Lam..

in Geo-Eco-Trop (2009), 33

Effects of the addition of an indigenous mycorrhizal complex, coming from soils of Gouré and of Glomus intraradices in a non sterile culture substrate were assessed on five woody species, among which 3 ... [more ▼]

Effects of the addition of an indigenous mycorrhizal complex, coming from soils of Gouré and of Glomus intraradices in a non sterile culture substrate were assessed on five woody species, among which 3 acacias (A. nilotica, A. raddiana, A. senegal), Bauhinia rufescens and Prosopis chilensis, in a tree nursery and on a sand dune of Gouré. In the nursery, species underwent a water stress by interrupting the watering during six days. Foliar hydration has been determined in order to evaluate the respective effects of the mycorrhizal inoculation for water loss limitation. Mycorrhizal root colonization has been determined as well as plant height and total biomass. In a field experiment, inoculated and non inoculated species have been planted on a mechanically prefixed sand dune portion in order to evaluate the effects of mycorrhizal inoculations on growth in the field. Results in nursery showed that (i) the non sterile soil would contain some endogenous AMF (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi) as infectious as those in soils with mycorrhizal additions; (ii) addition of Glomus intraradices would be efficient to stimulate total biomass and (iii) natural mycorhization would be as efficient as both mycorrhizal addition for growth stimulation and water loss limitation by transpiration. Results on site confirm the comparable effectiveness of the natural mycorhization and mycorrhizal additions. Although the addition of G. intraradices appears to be slightly superior by some aspects on some species, the observed effects do not justify preferring it, when compared to indigenous composite inoculum or to natural mycorhization in this zone. [less ▲]

Perspectives - Quel avenir pour les cuvettes oasiennes dans le Niger oriental ?

in Geo-Eco-Trop (2009), 33

The oasian interdunal depressions of eastern Niger are areas of life providing refuge to agro-pastoral activities in a generally hostile environment. The inter-university Targeted Program (ITP) funded by ... [more ▼]

The oasian interdunal depressions of eastern Niger are areas of life providing refuge to agro-pastoral activities in a generally hostile environment. The inter-university Targeted Program (ITP) funded by the Coopération Universitaire au Développement (CUD) called "Invasion of circular lowlands (cuvettes) of south-eastern Niger by aeolian deposits: processes, impacts and means of struggle" has studied the problem of silting of these refuge areas and proposed technical means, including physical and biological fixation of dunes that threaten the villages and interdunal depressions. Given the increasing human pressure and the present climate context that seems to move towards dryer conditions, environmental degradation of the study area should be investigated more broadly. Set up of strategies to allow people to adapt their conditions of life to an environment increasingly rough should also be considered. This paper presents some possible options for adaptation and examines the question of the very future of these interdunal depressions. [less ▲]

Méthodologie concernant le plan de gestion des arbres d'alignement situés le long des infrastructures gérées par le MET

Report (2007)

Effets de différents traitements de revitalisation sur tilleul d'alignement

in Arbres et Sciences (2005), 14